Physical Therapy Services

Treatment begins with a detailed assessment to identify the most effective combination of treatment options to best support each patient in achieving and maintaining Whole Body Health. Specific goals, defined programs and careful session monitoring integrate the right set of Manual Therapy techniques with exercise and modalities for immediate relief and best results.

Pre and Post Surgical Rehabilitation
Presurgical rehabilitation for people who may need surgery but may benefit from Physical Therapy intervention prior to surgery for strengthening and conditioning of the surrounding musculature of the injured structure. Post surgical rehabilitation for procedures including but not limited to ACL repairs, Meniscus repairs, Total Knee and Total Hip replacements, Cervical and Lumbar Fusions, Cervical and Lumbar Laminectomies, Rotator Cuff repairs, etc.

Men's Health
At Touch of Life Physical Therapy we understand that pelvic health is a complex and sensitive issue. It affects both genders, and all ethnicities. Research has shown that 50% of men will develop chronic pelvic pain syndrome/prostatitis at some point in their lifetime.1 Physical therapy for pelvic pain has been shown to dramatically reduce pelvic pain for good, and improve sexual dysfunction by almost 90%.1,2 Our therapists use every facet of their physical therapy training to evaluate and treat male clients, promoting and enhancing health through the life span.

Fascial Counterstrain
Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is an innovative system of soft tissue manipulation developed by Brian Tuckey PT, OCS, JSCCI a disciple of the famous osteopathic physician, Lawrence Jones D.O. Mr. Tuckey is one of only 4 physical therapists ever to be certified by Dr. Jones to teach his world renowned "Strain and Counterstrain" or "Positional Release" technique. FCS as a treatment methodology, is unique, because it is the only form of manipulation that is not only capable but designed to identify and correct dysfunction in all of the body's systems including the vascular, visceral, nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Structural Improvement to Restore Optimal Mobility
To address muscles and joints including the spine and pelvis that have limited or restricted movement that affect your overall well-being.

Strengthening and Conditioning
For those who feel that they are lacking in strength and energy, preventing them from being as active as they would like to be.

Types of Manual Therapy Techniques

Strain-Counterstrain
Originally developed by Lawrence Jones, D.O., FAAO, this technique is defined as "a passive positional procedure that places the body in a position of greatest comfort, thereby relieving pain by reduction and arrest of inappropriate proprioceptor activity that maintains somatic dysfunction." This technique is uniquely different from other manual techniques as it is considered an indirect technique as positioning occurs opposite the restricted barrier and is thus very comfortable for the patient, even in the acute stage.

Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation, as developed by Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, MRO(F), PT assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments. VM increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.

Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) / MMyofascial Release (MFR)STM: restoration of muscle play, breaking fascial restrictions between muscles and decreasing hypertonus that is associated with muscle tightness. Specific directional manual force is used in the direction of fascial restriction. Functional STM combines active lengthening of the muscle tissue with manual work at the same time.

MFR: similar to STM, but a larger area of tissue is targeted as opposed to very localized primary restrictions.

Muscle Energy (MET)
Originally developed by Fred L. Mitchell, Sr., D.O., FAAO and T. J. Ruddy, D.O., this technique is defined as a "direct manipulative procedure that uses a voluntary contraction of the patient's muscles against a distinctly controlled counterforce from a precise position and in a specific direction. This is considered an active technique, as opposed to a passive technique where only the clinician does the work. In contrast to joint mobilization, this technique engages the joint restriction barrier but does not stress it. MET may also be used to lengthen shortened muscles, reduce localized edema, and mobilize restricted joints."

JOINT MOBILIZATION
The AAOMPT, APTA, and IFOMT define this as "a manual therapy technique comprised of a continuum of skilled passive movements to joints and/or related soft tissues that are applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, including a small amplitude/high velocity therapeutic movement." It is described by Grieves as "the attempt at restoration of full, painless joint function by rhythmic, repetitive, passive movements within the patient's tolerance and within the voluntary and accessory range, and graded according to examination findings." Joint mobilization may affect a whole vertebral region or may be localized to a single segment, including high velocity / low amplitude passive therapeutic movement.

Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT™)
PRRT is an advanced form of manual therapy that down regulates the autonomic nervous system that can become part of the joint and muscle restriction and ongoing pain. The technique helps the body trade pain for improved awareness by down regulation of the heightened reflexes thereby eliminating the compensatory movements and allowing greater ease and quality of motion.

HEARTMATH Stress Relief System
We utilize a simple to use biofeedback system: HeartMath's Em-Wave® PC technology. This Stress Relief System helps you learn a powerful technique to address the negative, physical impact that stress has on your body and mind. This system has many applications such as Health and Well-being, Sports Performance, and Work Place Performance.